Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national investment fraud law firm, has opened an investigation into Grand Junction, Colorado financial advisor Ford Keeler (CRD# 1696709) following recent investor complaints alleging unsuitable investment recommendations. With over 50 years of experience and a 98% success rate, the firm is reviewing claims related to Mr. Keeler’s activities at LPL Financial, where he operates under the business name Western Financial Advisors.
Understanding Ford Keeler’s Background and Registration History
Table of Contents
Ford Keeler brings 38 years of securities industry experience to his current role at LPL Financial, where he has been registered as both a broker and investment advisor since June 2025. Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Keeler has maintained registrations with several notable financial institutions, building a professional history that spans nearly four decades in the investment advisory space.
His professional credentials demonstrate comprehensive industry knowledge through the successful completion of six securities examinations:
- Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
- Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
- SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination
- Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination
- Series 6 – Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination
- Series 24 – General Securities Principal Examination
Additionally, Mr. Keeler maintains 38 state licenses, indicating his authorization to conduct business across multiple jurisdictions. His employment history includes positions at Western International Securities, Financial West Group, Bancwest Investment Services, Primevest Financial Services, Wells Fargo, FBS Investment Services, and Pruco Securities Corporation.
Recent Investor Complaint Raises Concerns
The most significant concern for investors centers on a June 2025 complaint alleging $210,000 in damages. This pending complaint specifically identifies two investment products that the complainant claims were unsuitable recommendations:
| Investment Product | Type | Alleged Issue |
|---|---|---|
| GWG L Bonds | Alternative Investment | Unsuitable recommendation |
| Griffin Capital Net Lease REIT | Non-traded REIT | Unsuitable recommendation |
In response to these allegations, Mr. Keeler has provided a statement defending his actions. He maintains that he “implemented a strategy designed to comply with the instructions of the clients and their investment objectives” and expresses confidence that he will prevail when evidence is presented to an arbitration panel.
Historical Complaint Pattern
This is not the first time Mr. Keeler has faced investor complaints. A 2003 complaint filed during his tenure at Wells Fargo Investments resulted in a $5,000 settlement. That earlier complaint alleged that he provided false information about a mutual fund investment, specifically regarding surrender charges. While this settlement occurred over two decades ago, it forms part of his overall disclosure history that investors should consider.
Red Flags Investors Should Consider
When evaluating any financial advisor, certain patterns or circumstances warrant careful consideration. In Mr. Keeler’s case, investors may want to pay attention to several factors:
The nature of the investments in question deserves particular scrutiny. Both GWG L Bonds and Griffin Capital Net Lease REITs represent complex, alternative investments that may not be suitable for all investors. These products often carry higher risks and limited liquidity compared to traditional investments.
The substantial damages alleged – $210,000 – suggest significant portfolio allocation to these investments. Such concentration in alternative products raises questions about diversification and risk management strategies.
The timing and frequency of complaints, while separated by many years, indicates that issues have arisen at different points in Mr. Keeler’s career and at different firms.
What This Means for Current and Former Clients
If you have worked with Ford Keeler at LPL Financial or any of his previous firms, now is an important time to review your investment portfolio and account statements. Pay particular attention to:
- Any investments in alternative products, especially GWG L Bonds or Griffin Capital Net Lease REITs
- The concentration of your portfolio in any single investment or investment type
- Whether the investments in your account align with your stated risk tolerance and investment objectives
- Any unexplained losses or underperformance in your portfolio
Understanding your rights as an investor is crucial. Securities regulations require financial advisors to recommend only suitable investments based on your financial situation, investment experience, risk tolerance, and investment objectives. When advisors fail to meet these obligations, investors may have grounds for recovering their losses.
Taking Action to Protect Your Interests
Investment losses can significantly impact your financial security and future plans. If you believe you may have received unsuitable investment recommendations or experienced losses due to advisor misconduct, seeking professional legal guidance can help you understand your options.
The securities arbitration process provides a forum for investors to seek recovery of losses caused by unsuitable recommendations, misrepresentations, or other forms of advisor misconduct. However, strict time limitations apply to filing claims, making prompt action essential.
Haselkorn & Thibaut offers free consultations to investors who have suffered losses. With over 50 years of experience representing investors nationwide, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for clients, the firm operates on a “no recovery, no fee” basis. This means you pay nothing unless they successfully recover compensation for your losses.
If you have invested with Ford Keeler at LPL Financial or any of his previous firms and have concerns about your investments or have experienced losses, contact Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-885-7162 for a free, confidential consultation. Their experienced attorneys can review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best path forward to protect your financial interests.
